28 April 2023
The Regional Universities Network (RUN) welcomes the release of the Regional Education Commissioner’s Annual Report and acknowledges the important ongoing work of the Regional Education Commissioner, The Hon Fiona Nash.
Executive Director of RUN, Alec Webb, said that RUN is glad to see the Commissioner’s strong focus on the whole-of-student-life journey of regional Australians, in particular the role played by higher education in the regions.
“The Regional Education Commissioner is playing a vital role in championing the needs of regional students. The Commissioner’s report provides a national focus on regional, rural and remote education and training outcomes.
“The Commissioner’s role spans early childhood, schools, vocational education and training, and higher education, recognising that an equitable and high performing education and training system is vital to regional Australia’s prosperity.
“Within this educational ecosystem, regional universities are crucial in ensuring Australia’s continued national economic growth and prosperity through our world-leading teaching, our impactful research and our contributions to the social and cultural wellbeing of regional Australia.
“The Regional Education Commissioner’s report highlights the importance of Australia’s higher education sector while also noting the changes needed to increase regional universities’ capacity to enrol students in priority areas. Boosting the supply of regional graduates is vital to the regions, with regional universities playing an important role in generating ‘sticky’ graduates who adhere to local workforces.
“RUN is committed to continuing to productively work with The Hon Fiona Nash as Regional Education Commissioner to ensure opportunities are accessible and provided to regional Australians”. said Mr Webb.
Contacts:
Mr Alec Webb, Executive Director, 0408 482 736
Miss Kaylah Williams, Executive Assistant/Communications and Media Advisor, 0428 690 776
Website: www.run.edu.au
Twitter: @RegUniNet #RegUnisHelpRegions
Facebook: www.facebook.com/regionaluniversitiesnetwork
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/regional-universities-network